IAEA Concerned About 10% Reduction in Verification and Inspection of Iran's Nuclear Facilities

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the Islamic Republic's nuclear program following the removal of cameras and monitoring equipment by Iranian officials. Bloomberg reported on Friday, May 12, based on a copy of a report by Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General, distributed among agency diplomats, stating, 'The IAEA is concerned about the reduction of oversight of the Islamic Republic's nuclear activities in 2022 after Iran halted the agreed monitoring mechanisms under the JCPOA, as the number of verifications has decreased by 10%.' According to the news agency, the Director General emphasized in a 116-page report on the implementation of safeguards that the Islamic Republic has yet to explain and resolve outstanding issues regarding safeguards, and significant work remains to be done in this area. After the U.S. withdrawal from the international JCPOA agreement, the Islamic Republic gradually limited the access of IAEA inspectors. Bloomberg noted that while negotiations to revive the JCPOA remain uncertain, it can be said that the JCPOA had limited the Islamic Republic's nuclear activities and allowed for extensive monitoring in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. However, following the U.S. exit, Tehran's nuclear activities have made significant progress, and information about nuclear advancements and past developments has become increasingly obscure. In another part of his report, the Director General expressed satisfaction with Iran's high-level assurances regarding strengthening cooperation but did not provide a report on progress in this regard. The White House has repeatedly emphasized President Joe Biden's commitment to preventing the Islamic Republic of Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Under what circumstances is there a likelihood of a military attack by the U.S. and Israel on Iran's nuclear facilities? Ali Vaez: The suppression of the 'Mahsa Movement' and Iran's assistance to Russia have led the West to close the door to negotiations with Tehran. Gita Aryan: The Biden administration consistently emphasizes that it will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb. Ali Vaez: The current situation of 'neither agreement nor crisis' regarding Iran's nuclear program is unsustainable. Shahriar Shahidral: If the Islamic Republic moves towards building a nuclear bomb, it will be committing 'economic suicide.' Special program: The fate of the JCPOA; continuation of diplomacy, the trigger mechanism, or military action? The Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff: The Islamic Republic is only a few months away from producing nuclear weapons. Congressional lawmakers have urged U.S. allies to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. The uncertainty surrounding the JCPOA on the anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from this agreement; Jalili: Repeating the JCPOA means repeating a bitter experience. Dozens of diplomats have urged Biden to end diplomacy with Iran. Reuters' analytical report: The Iranian nuclear crisis is at risk of 'reigniting.'